The new range-topping 345bhp Volvo V60 Polestar has received its global debut at the Chicago motor show ahead of its arrival in UK showrooms in June.

Volvo's potent new V60, which is expected to cost around £50k, is powered by a tuned version of the manufacturer's existing 3.0-litre single-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine. It has outputs of 345bhp and 369lb ft of torque, a substantial hike over the standard engine's 302bhp and 295lb ft.

The V60 Polestar will be the last performace Volvo to use a six-cylinder engine, the firm having already committed to a four-cylinder-only engine line-up in the future. Future performance Volvos will use four-cylinder engines mated to electric motors for adding boost.

Volvo says that while both the new V60 Polestar and its saloon S60 Polestar sibling models will be available around the world, it will "continue to deliver on the call for fast estates" by only offering V60 Polestars in the UK. Production numbers will be in the "low hundreds".

Other engine upgrades for Volvo's hot estate include a new intercooler, as well as a performance exhaust system for a more aggressive engine note. The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Polestar has upgraded the transmission for faster changes as well as adding launch control and a new Haldex four-wheel drive system for better torque distribution. It has also recalibrated the stability control system, and added performance brakes at the front and rear.

The V60 Polestar is claimed to be capable of covering the 0-62mph sprint in 4.9 seconds, and reaching 124mph in 17.7 seconds from a standing start. Its top speed is limited to 155mph.

Polestar has also tuned the chassis of the V60, adding a new Ohlins shock absorber system alongside bespoke 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tyres. Despite these changes, the V60 Polestar weighs in at only 130kg heavier than the current top-spec V60, at 1822kg.

As well as the performance modifications, Polestar has added new front splitters as well as a new rear spoiler and diffuser.

Inside, the V60 features a new steering wheel along with sports seats, which are said to increase comfort and support for the driver and passenger alike.

Volvo project manager Henrik Fries said: "Work has been focused on the overall package in order to create a car that you want to use every day, both from a practical and emotional perspective."

Our Verdict

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[quote=Darren Moss]Depsite these changes, the V60 Polestar weighs in at only 130kg heavier than the current top-spec V60, at 1822kg.[/quote]
Why are companies making "performance" derivatives that are heavier than the top-spec (luxury) cars?

[quote=stavers][quote=Darren Moss]Depsite these changes, the V60 Polestar weighs in at only 130kg heavier than the current top-spec V60, at 1822kg.[/quote]
Why are companies making "performance" derivatives that are heavier than the top-spec (luxury) cars?[/quote]
Its not a pure performance car, still has the same level of luxury and comfort as the standard car, but also includes a heavier engine

I like my fast Volvos and this looks sweet. However, it's porky and has a small boot..
They're stuck with the small boot but couldn't they rework the new 2.0 twin-charged T6 engine for a lighter kerb weight?

.... I'm sure I heard on Fifth Gear that prices could be anything up to £60k for this model.
I struggle to get excited by a Volvo, but as cars go they're fine. However it's going to require quite a particular type of person to want to spend that kind of money on something like this. Hopefully if its a limited run 'that many' of that type of person should hopefully exist.
I will always applaud any manufacturer who is prepared to go balls out and produce a full on ballistic missile of a car like this. Too many car companies play safe, and performance models get watered down to fit into a pecking order hierarchy or to meet within budgets. With Ohlins dampers and other fine fayre it looks like Volvo have seen sense to do a proper job and not fit 'own brand' upspecced kit.
Well done Volvo, good effort. That's how to roll!

[quote=winniethewoo]more powwweeer!!! grrrr!!!!
the polestar brand needs to stand for something... don't sully its virgin name by producing a warmed over v60. the competition m3, rs4, c63 have 100bhp more.[/quote]
I think this is aimed more at the S4 and 335 rather than the RS's and M's. If I was in the market for a quick estate I would be tempted to look at this over an S4.
Quick query though why does it say 324bhp in the title and 345bhp in the body of the text??
Which is it??

If they called it a V60 T6R, I'd have nothing to say. Why call a warmed over version Polestar and sully the branding for a potential RS4 / M3 competitor?
Maybe they didn't have the budget to develop a proper M3 / RS4 Competitor? They were / are still struggling with profitability as far as I am aware. Hopefully Geely give them enough cash to hire enough people to turn the company around. I read in a car mag that they had 3 chassis engineers in the Ford days as Ford did most of the development work... they must have huge talent holes that will take a while to fill.